Catching Up, Monday, March 2, 2009

Arrived at Donna and Manning's ranch in Alpine, TX on Thursday noon.

Enjoyed Cowboy Cookout Breakfast on Friday morning.
Photos of cookout, Larry & Helen, Donna and Manning






Attended the Cowboy Poetry Symposium and Singing Friday afternoon


These cowboys/cowgirls are amazing. They are real cowboys/girls, roping, riding herds, managing huge 30K acre ranches, etc. And so many of them play guitar, write poetry and write books. They are some of the most sensitively atuned people I have ever met, putting in song or in poetry the life and experiences of real cowboys. The Alpine Symposium is one of the largest of many held out west.

We had such a great time with Donna and Manning in their awesome ranch home overlooking a breathtaking valley. We left Alpine this morning for San Antonio, spending tonight in Junction, TX before arrving in SA tomorrow about noon. Our dear friends there whom we met in North Fork, Idaho, are waiting for us in Spring Brank RV Resort outside San Antonio. We'll stay there a week, and our neice Carolyne Wood will join us mid-week for the weekend. She works for the PGA, so I just know she is bringing me some new golf clubs! Okay, C, just kidding.

This RV park (sic) is not the jewel of parks. Normally we pay about $20-25 a night, when not paying by the week or month which lowers to cost considerably. Tonight it's a dump, but cheap (!) @ $10. I'm glad three other rigs have pulled in...making it a bit safer to stay here!

BTW, did you see who is # 1 in the NASCAR STANDINGS? 24!

Blessings to all. Larry (and Helen)

Some Musings, February 26, 2009

Prayers undergird our travels. Here is a prayer from Mexican hosts in New Mexico:

Wish I had a photo of the older man who walked passed me in a Walmart parking lot. He resemble my Dad so very much ... his gait, his cap, his demenor, his voice.

At our site here in Van Horne, TX, we have 'waxed leaf' shrubs, just like those I played with as a child, using the leaves as money in cowboys and indians play. First I've seen of this shrub since we sold our property in Cumming, GA. I planted the 'waxed leaf' along the entire back side of our home in Cumming. You can't see them very well, but here's a photo Helen took at our site in Van Horne.

"Rock of ages ... let me hide myself in thee...."

Traveling across New Mexico and its open spaces you begin to wonder who's trying to fool whom re a fence to keep out illegals! No way can we patrol the entire border. Maybe if we were to spend Iraq war money (billions!) on patrol personnel and wire, we might slow illegals down a bit, but keep them out...no way. And remember, the Democrats want them 'in' for their votes and the Republicans want them 'in' to supply the work force of their industrial supporters. And we think the politicians are serious about immigration? We all are so gullable!

Oh well, on to Alpine, Texas today.

Preparing to leave for TX...&...photo of friends

We are preparing this morning to leave for TX...first to Van Horne, then on to Alpine to be with Donna and Manning for the weekend before leaving for San Antonio

In Benson, AZ, we were parked next to Fred and Karen. We have become good friends with them. Interestingly, he is a Ferrier of considerable note, and is also an accomplished flyfisher. He and I will fish together a lot during the first two weeks of June while Helen is in Nampa, ID, with the girls. Also interesting is their adopted son, Avery, a fine young black man who played football for U. of Missouri and is now married and a very successful businessman in St. Louis. Fred and Karen live in Pocatello, ID, a few hours east of Boise. Karen is a retired school teacher and loves to take hikes which they do often. They are committed Democrats and avid supporters of Obama, yet we never argued politics because the mutual respect is so strong between us.

Churches out west we have visited

Since my retirement last July 1, we have been privileged to worship at various churches throughout our travels, most of them in the west. The memberships of the congregations have also varied and except for Covenant Church in Boise where we regularly worship in the fall when we're in Idaho, most of the congregations have been small. Not one of them failed to welcome us warmly and their eager welcome did not seem to be from a need to get new members, but rather a genuine "This is our Father's house -- welcome!" Last Sunday we worshiped at First Presbyterian Church in Deming, NM. Counting Helen and me, there were 25 worshipers in the pews, 4 in the choir loft and a guest organist who got 9 out of 10 notes correct. But it was one of our best experiences. The pastor came from Scotland 46 years ago, intending to study in the U.S. for a year, and never went back. He is semi-retired, a widower, and serves this little church four days a week to suppliment a small pension. His sermon was the best we have heard, hands down! He held my attention the entire 20 minutes, spoke to my needs, encouraged us all, had some good stories, used humor well, and evidently was well read. Meeting and speaking with him after worship was a real pleasure. That congregation is blessed to have him as their pastor.

I have to say that every sermon we have heard has been well prepared, well delivered and relevant. Most of those sermons have been delivered by older generation pastors. Whether good or bad, the younger pastors' sermons are crafted and delivered differently than those of the older pastors and it isn't just the 'experience' factor, though that plays a part for sure.

In every church we have visited there has been a genuine positive spirit. These smaller churches don't seem to be concerned with the antics of the larger denomination. Primarily they are there to serve their community as they might, take care of each other and trust Jesus to be with them day by day. Most of them make an effort to do some sort of missions, but their resources are limited. And many of their members are of retirement age which limits their capacity to do missions beyond their doors.

Following the services we have attended, we often stay for the coffee hour. The members and guests are always very friendly. Yes, there is always a "Miss Ruby" -- the lady who is obviously in charge (of most everything!)

Here's a photo of FPC, Deming, NM.



At least in the smaller PCUSA churches out west there is life ... for now.

Kartchner Caverns, Helen 'home', Preparing to Leave, San Pedro Valley

I picked up Helen at the Tucson airport yesterday afternoon. It's really good to have her 'home'. We'll spend today preparing to leave Friday morning for New Mexico and Texas, then east! Our route includes Demming, NM, Alpine, TX, San Antonio, TX, then Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, then to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and finally back to Idaho to be with 'the girls'. Of course, there are always detours, changes in plans, etc. But as a friend said, "Every day is Saturday!"

Earlier this week I joined next door neighbors and truly new friends, Fred and Karen Olds, on a visit to the Kartchner Caverns located about 15 miles from our RV park. (See below some photos from an earler cave visit -- Colossal Caves).

Cave Discovery -- In November 1974 two young cavers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, were exploring the limestone hills at the base of the Whetstone Mountains. In the bottom of a sinkhole they found a narrow crack leading into the hillside. Warm, moist air flowed out, signaling the existence of a cave. After several hours of crawling, they entered a pristine cavern. It wasn't until February 1978 that Tenen and Tufts told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their amazing discovery. It's unbelievable what exists inside the caverns. The 'Throne Room' is as large as a football field! Photos follow:





San Pedro Valley where we are presently:

Golf & Shooting Horses -- Daytona 500 Tomorrow! Helen's First Painting -- and some notes

Dear Family and Friends,

While Helen is in Idaho with Anna and the girls, I've been fixing and organizing things on and in the Laredo. But yesterday I took a break and with a new friend from Boston played in a makeup golf tournament (shot 10 over par). This morning I drove to Tucson to obtain a couple things needed for the RV (hitch lock and surge protector). This afternoon I went with friends from Idaho to a "horse shooting" contest. It's not what the name indicates, rather is a rodeo type atmosphere where riders race (one at a time against a clock) through a series of barrels to shoot as they ride at 8" balloons mounted four feet high on stakes. They each carry two .44 handguns (pistols). They shoot at five white balloons, then switch pistols to shoot at five red balloons, all the while galloping full speed. The .44's are loaded with black powder only so there is no danger of someone in the crowd being hit by a bullet. Each shot is loud! I was reminded of the old western movies where the good guys shot from their horses at the bad guys chasing them. Some of the riders today hit all 10 balloons! Incredible horsemanship and aim.

The 51st Daytona 500 is tomorrow! I'll be in front of my TV after church. Go 24!


Before Helen left for Idado, she painted her first painting. Here's a photo of same. I really like it. It's hanging now in the Laredo.


Look at the tiny RV that arrived yesterday, across the street from us:


Funny story I read yesterday...and true!
A woman bought a new motorcoach (the big kind) and once on the road pressed the 'cruise control' and walked back to the coach's kitchen to fix a sandwich. Of course the coach left the road and crashed. She sued the company that made the coach saying they did not warn her that 'cruise control' does NOT mean it drives by itself! Jury awarded her $1.5 million! Company changed their manual to indicate that even if the coach is on 'cruise control' you still have to drive it!!!

Good Neighbor day:
Early last week a couple pulled in near us and I saw they were having trouble unhitching. I offered to help and learned this was their first night to stop with the CruiseAmerica RENTAL RV and their first RV experience. I went outside this morning at 6 a.m. while still dark to enjoy my coffee to find the couple trying to hitch up in the dark and leave the RV park. They had raised the hitch foot and when she (they are in their 50's and she was doing all the work as he watched...lol) moved her truck the RV fell off the hitch! I was able to use a pneumatic jack to raise the RV to get it back on the hitch and get the travel trailer hitched up. Then, as they were leaving I noticed they had left the steps down! Their bad! That 'down' steps will hit something big time! Hope they don't give up RVing!

Organist fell before church today
The pastor, who often plays the guitar for their praise music, played the piano for the service. Gifted guy...good preacher, too.

24 didn't lose, he just didn't win
Jeff finished 12th this afternoon in a rain-soaked short version of the 500.

Honey's Diagnosis from Vet & Helen to Boise

I took Honey to the vet today because she was not eating, was throwing up and other symptoms. After examining her, taking xrays and blood tests, vet says Honey has a heart murmur with slightly curved trachea (sp?) and slightly enlarged section of her heart. Won't know until tomorrow why she is not eating, etc. Not connected, says vet, to the heart murmur. The vet will call me tomorrow about Honey's blood tests results which, hopefully, will tell us why she hasn't been feeling well. The murmur may shorten her lifespan, but the medication she'll get will help the heart condition. She seems fine tonight, just hungry, because the vet said don't feed her tonight (she hasn't eaten all day).

I'm taking Helen to Tucson tomorrow morning early for her to fly to Boise and then go on over to Nampa to see Anna and the girls. She returns next Wednesday, the
18th, late afternoon. We leave Benson (here) on the 20th.

Whoa! Snow!

We expected rain this morning, but woke up to an inch or more of snow. Supposed to clear by noon today and be lots of sunshine the next few days. We plan to leave Benson, AZ on February 20, heading to Demming, NM, which is west of Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX on the way to Alpine, TX to visit with dear friends Donna and Manning. Hope all of you are well. Blessings, Larry



Some of us are staying warm...see Honey with her Jeff Gordon Dupont Bean Baby

Willcox, AZ, visit & Sunsets Coming Home

Yesterday, Sunday, we worshiped with 8 other Presbyterians from our RV park at Community Presbyterian Church in Benson. Jon Hermes is the pastor, about 55, been there 16 years and plans to retire there. We all brought food and enjoyed a potluck lunch with the CPC members. Really neat church...very friendly.

Then, today, with new friends from Idaho who are parked in a site behind us, we visited Willcox, AZ, where is located the Rex Allen Museum in the old town of Willcox. You may be too young to remember Rex Allen, contemporary of Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Lash Larue, Sunset Carson, Hopaong Cassidy, etc. Photos follow.

Then on the way back to our RV park in Benson, we witnessed some breathtaking sunsets. See photos below.

Rex Allen Museum...hundreds of items, photos, etc. Very interesting!


Statue of Rex Allen, 1920 - 1999.


Koko...Rex Allen's horse...buried here...died at 28


My Ferrier friend (horse-smart) told me today that Koko died of founder disease, which I understand to be a disease that destroys the horse's hoofs. Koko was put in a stabled and provided unlimited amounts of feed. He overate and developed 'founder'.

My friend also related that Barbarosa, the race horse that broke a leg in the Preakness (?) was 'put down' because of founder disease. The vets fixed his broken leg, but the race horse developed founder disease in the other three hoofs and was 'put down' because of the results of founder. Barbarosa's other three hoofs became extremely painful because of founder and there was no remedy to save the horse. Barbarosa did not die of a broken leg, but of founder.

Googled 'founder' -- Laminitis (Founder) in Horses: Founder is one of the most crippling diseases of horses and ponies, which in severe and recurring cases, can reduce a horse's usefulness and lifespan. Laminitis, the initiating cause of founder, can affect any horse, of any age or sex, at any time of year. Although it is traditionally considered a disease of fat ponies, laminitis can be triggered by a variety of metabolic or physical causes in any horse. Laminitis is now considered to be caused by devitalistaion of the supporting laminae within the hoof, leading to painful breakdown and tearing of the support tissues suspending the pedal bone within the hoof. If laminitis is not treated properly, the pedal bones drops or rotates downwards, resulting in founder, with total collapse causing severe lameness and risk of death.

Arizona Sunsets on the way home today

Colossal Caverns south of Tucson...Sat Feb 7, 09

20 miles south of Tucson lies Colossal Caverns, an enormous underground series of caves, tunnels, etc. We toured it today with Canadians friends. Photos follow:

Entrance


Helen follows into the cavern


On our way down into the caverns


One of countless formations


Eighty feet deep


Getting tighter


Largest room deep within the caves


An hour later...exit


Helen outside the caves


Larry overlooking awesome valley


The cacti are everywhere and there are countless variety of same

More Gammon Gulch Photos -- of movie set

We returned today to Gammon's Gulch, a movie site located in the deserted Arizona desert. The owner, Jay, gave us a tour and told us of the many movies and movie stars who have frequented the 'town'. Here's some of the 200 photos I took (ain't digital cool?)

Helen and Jay


I don't know the lady's name whose painting is in the saloom


Where bad guys spend some time when caught


Your average super market...1800's style


One bad cowboy!


Some of the bad guys have cool ladies


Can I pour you a cool one from the old saloon?


On the way home we passed this superbly kept home lawn...yikes!


At home, we enjoy time with neighbor friends

Nogalas, AZ, winery, scenes, on Mexican Border

Nogalas, Arizona is 70 miles south of Benson, AZ, where we are RVing. The town rests on the Mexican border. (We don't have up to date passports, so we could not go into Mexico.) Here are some scenes...of Nogalas, a winery near by, the border patrol checkpoint and the constantly breathtaking mountains.

View of the town


At the winery






At the Border Patrol checkpoint


Beautiful mountains on all sides to and from Nagolas